HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (JMU Athletics) – James Madison softball grabbed an early 2-0 lead, but late-inning power from Jax State led to a 4-2 defeat in game one of the Rocket City Softball Classic.

Jax State (8-3) earned most of its production from the top of the order, as Emma Elrod and Amber Reed each had an RBI single in the third inning to tie things up at two. The Gamecocks put up two more in the fifth and sixth, including a solo shot by Jaci Underwood.

Payton List led the offensive battle for JMU (0-6), going 2-for-2 with a two-run home run, The Dukes’ first of the season. Madalyn Johnson went the distance in the circle, allowing four runs while striking out nine.

Kat Carter threw a complete game, holding James Madison to just three hits while striking out a career-high 14 batters.

How It Happened
Second Inning
• List crushed a ball to left field with a runner on for a two-run shot, good for an early 2-0 lead
Third Inning
• Haleigh Cushingberry led off the inning for the Gamecocks with a walk and a stolen base. Elrod brought her home on a single through the right side.
• With one out, Reed tacked on an RBI single to tie the game at two apiece.
Fifth Inning
• Jax State’s Morgan Nowakowski contributed a sacrifice fly with one out for the 3-2 lead
Sixth Inning
• Underwood drilled a 2-2 pitch over the left field fence for a home run to give the Gamecocks an insurance run.

Game Notes
• Jax State holds a 3-2 advantage in the all-time series against the Dukes
• Payton List has 15 multi-hit games in her career and 12 with multiple RBI
• Carter’s 14 strikeouts are the most against the Dukes since UConn struck out 14 on March 6, 2020

— JMU Athletics —